Leaderboard

If there was a single reason for Uncle Lens decision then it would be easy to argue against but its a perfect storm of multiple things against vs very few positives that have clearly strained the patience of the most stubborn of men. Kent have been afforded the luxury of a very supportive landlord previously and some hefty sponsorships, Len has said that Kent made a profit each year, if that is no longer the case he isn't going to continue throwing good money after bad. Rent increases, track access, an expensive CL team that failed to make the play offs, rider retirements, rider grumblings, an under performing NDL team, a set of rules imposed upon the NDL making it a lesser attractive product (Len was the NDL spokesman and wasn't even consulted), throw a fine in at the end and you can see why there are plenty of reasons to walk away. The gesture to donate the air fence and some track equipment to Iwade though is an act of pure gold. To enable and benefit a local training track rather than seek a few personal pounds back speaks volumes about the man and how he has been a life long benefit to the sport of speedway.

The eyes of the world have been on Glasgow this week as the great and the good descended on the city. Here are some quotes: Joe Biden: " I'm really pleased to be here in Glasgow and pretty happy to take a 10 point lead down to Poole." Greta Thunberg: "Cookie was pure dead brilliant in heat 15, by the way." David Attenborough: "The Tigers (in their natural habitat) done good but it's only half time and it's a game of two halves, you know." Leonardo DiCaprio: "Great job guys, specially Ricky and Broc. I can't make it on Thursday and I hear there's no live stream. That's a bit pish. I thought Poole were a big team?"

10 will be enough.. Poole have the look of a team who’s bottle is going

Thousands of people, politicians, their security, their entourage, plus journalists from around the globe, and protesters from all points, all flying into Glasgow to discuss how we can reduce emissions... As Homer may have said... "Doh!"

On our way! Talk about an early start!

I would just like to wish Len and his family a well earned, long, healthy and happy retirement. He has been an ever present during my time as a speedway supporter. He must surely rank amongst the true icons of British Speedway promoters, and I was delighted to see him inducted into the Speedway Hall of Fame this season at Central Park. At 89 years young, he is a truly remarkable man, and I am forever indebted to him for the speedway entertainment he has provided to me over the years. Thank you Len.

The company was Eurosport who streamed Peterborough's meeting live

The biggest meeting of the season and they’re not streaming it. A farce

Would like to see Richie Worrall back since he left us he's just seemed to move around clubs every season. I think he's on a good average he can improve on and he's a good gater which helps at brough.

Top racer, I was at the British Final where he thrilled the wider audience especially when it seemed everyone was willing him on to beat Bomber....... much missed is Danny.

The title of this thread becomes ever more relevant as the 2021 season draws to a close. We have 6 clubs in the Premier League left standing. Of those 6 :- Wolves have announced they will not run unless there are more than 6 clubs next year P/boro have huge question marks over the Showground development ... although this has been ongoing for years. Kings Lynn have a reluctant speedway promoter who would rather run Stock Cars only. No sign of new victims to commit to the PL in 2022. Will Wolves pull out ? We have 9 clubs in the Championship League left standing ( Kent and Birmingham both without promoters) Of those 9 :- Newcastle seem to have effected a rescue package for 2022 ? Poole's landlords seem reluctant for speedway to continue running at Wimborne Road On the bright side :- Oxford may be ready to join in 2022 Eastbourne may rejoin in 2023 We have 5 clubs in the National Development League left standing Of those 5:- one standalone club Mildenhall will surely struggle to run a meaningful fixture list in a league of 5 teams. (The other 4 teams run the NDL as filler fixtures.) A pretty appalling situation for the BSPL to sort out. Are they up to the task of sorting out this mess ? I hope the weather is good wherever they choose to hold their jolly.

On the bus into Glasgow. All quick. Some interesting planes in the airport inc the million pound paint job on the uk plane. Plus india, Japan etc. weather is good no issues.

How can you reconcile those two statements? How can you claim to know more about the Rye House campaign than those running it? Our 'optimism' is based on simple fact, not blind faith. There HAVE been new, important discussions and a new attitude towards possibly incorporating speedway in the redevelopment. These are facts. Now I clearly stated that a door had been opened, not that we already have success. You sit on the sidelines offering your pitifully ill-informed comments. All it does is steadily destroy your credibility, not ours. Yes we could fail but certainly if we took your approach we would, It would be appreciated if people like you could keep their damaging opinions to themselves rather than try to pass yourself off as some all-knowing authority. It's hard enough dealing with the authorities and new landlord without having tom deal with those supposed speedway supporters undermining it. It would be easy to suspect that you actually want it to fail.

Absolutely agree. I have been fortunate enough to witness leaping Len at Hackney, Rayleigh and Rye House and he is the old school always wanting to put on a show whatever the circumstances or conditions. Many a time the sawdust came into play at Rayleigh to get a meeting on and riders gave it a go unlike today’s crop. Also very sad the way the south east has lost so many clubs over the years. Whatever the reason this loyal servant to the sport and it’s fans, riders and officials really does deserve a relaxing and healthy retirement and if many of us could be as enthusiastic about speedway as Len has been over the years then perhaps things may not be quite so dire. Mr Silver you are a legend and deserve some official recognition for your contribution to the sport. Thank you for all that you have done.

Worrall was on gate 4 and Craig on gate 3, so I can't see how Worrall could have been goaded by Craig into jumping the start.

After watching Sam tonight I think your initial summary that a move to a smaller track may help him improve. He seemed very awkward entering bend 3 tonight for some reason usually attacks the high line , his inconsistency is the only thing consistent with him the last few weeks but overall a fair result tonight both teams guilty of gifting points. Will ten be enough I have a sneaky feeling it will be , on the Basso Brennan incident Tom was left with nowhere to go it was a hard move by Basso and a bit naughty as he glanced too see where Tom was coming from but as he was in front the only call the referee could make was to exclude Tom. If Tom is in front of him on Thursday I think he will be as equally hard on him as he looked less than impressed when Basso passed whilst he was getting to his feet.

The last time a Polish rider at reserve went to Poole for the second leg of a final and was deemed the match winner all hell broke loose

That’s a shame - as I said earlier Glasgow speedway gained £11.95 from me tonight no live stream they’d gained £0 as will Poole speedway on Thursday by the sound of it

Yes there the ones that need the glasses, heat should have been re-run, don't know why it was awarded

Hmmm Basso knew where Brennan was when he went out wide I think, he knew he was gonna squeeze him up, he looked round after Brennan fell too ....

Agreed! He got very close, but they didn't move.

Nowak never touched tapes there!!!

Now here's radical... Maybe bring back teams like Cov, Reading, Cradley etc etc but run them at the current tracks (however many are left).. With the riders used all being ones riding for teams already in that league (a bit like guesting and DU'ing but all at the same time).. And.. This is the best bit to make it credible.. We swap the first letters of the surname and christian names of the riders to make a completely different rider to represent one of the new teams, thus increasing the much needed rider numbers overnight... For example.. You could advertise... "The Irish No1, Mick Norris"... Or Hollands leading rider "Edam Allis"... Or maybe? "China's National Speedway Champion" could be a moniker given to "Lichard Rawson"... I agree Ben Barker and Craig Cook might be difficult to sort but as the saying goes... "No ideas a bad idea".....

I believe it was scheduled for November 12/13/14 but may have been put back a week after the season's extension.

It’s ‘visible ‘ but not viable. The PJL was never ever going to happen and didn’t. The NDL is a much needed stepping stone and should be an essential discussion at the AGM , which it sounds like has almost been completed via zoom meetings , but you can’t force clubs into entering it as most clubs simply can’t afford to run two teams, some can’t afford to run one ! Doubt many riders in the CL and Premiership are worried as 85% will already have been approached, but NDL standard riders will be scratching their heads as to where there might be a viable team place available.

I don't think anyone is really 'neutral' , you always prefer one team to another but sometimes you don't realise til a meeting is underway who it is!

Can someone beam me up?.......As ur in Scotland can u ask Scotty please

You would think that Speedway GB would stream both legs as a collective... Share the costs and share out the profits..? May have been able then to do it cheaper together and get many more "neutrals" logging in...? Especially given it's been a fair while since any Speedway to watch on TV, and most of the riders on show will have 'another club'whose fans may wish to watch.. They could do so much collectively re marketing yet all seem to work in splendid isolation... A strange business model..

Doubt it mike they will be too busy fighting over the riders that are now available

Hopefully he asked Matt how to put a decent team together

Spot on.. And when/(if), someone like Len Silver decides that "time is up" you should really take heed if you are one of the other promoters... Still... I am sure many of those left know best..

Case in point being Workington situation, I believe arena Essex 2 days in a row, first day won league play offs, 2nd day match called off midway through due to frost, 3k fine as it was an outstanding league match. Understand the frustration but 2 separate things. As I've said before we got fine in 2014 that nearly finished us

Len has given the air fence and track equipment to Iwade. Seems pretty final to me.

Not for the first time I have upset “ Rob McCaffery” and his gallant attempts to resurrect Rye House Speedway. I doubt anyone except “Rob McCaffery” treats my comments as anything but an opinion of a retired long time speedway supporter. Let’s see whether any of these meetings which you report as being positive bear fruit. I agree nothing ventured, nothing gained and wish you success in getting a speedway track reinstated at Hoddesdon.

He didn't forget his riders and the ones that had ridden for him. Pre season he organised Skiing groups and took them as a party to his resort. I know riders enjoyed these trips and were grateful to be allowed to be included even though they didn't ride for him at that time. He cared for other promotions as well. When Newcastle left Somerset on our southern tour we used to travel on to a hotel in Swindon on the Friday night. If the weather or track was dodgy for their Saturday night, he always agreed to let us know straightaway early on the Saturday morning, so we could go up the road home and not have the wasted journey across London. In addition it meant the mechanics and riders could just drive straight home without prepping the bikes in less than favourable hotel carparks. It is this sort of consideration that is now very rare between promotions in the sport at present.

Only missed one meeting at the wheels (well 2 as it was a double header) the night before the Bradford world final. I remember the first few meetings in 1984, I didn't drive at the time so I had to find my way to the stadium from the train station. Honestly it was like some kind of assault course off of the krypton factor, lucky I was a lot younger and fitter back then.

Good odds,

I made a comment to my friend next to me,I though they were too loose they seemed to go up quicker on the inside and outside because of it,there was some pretty uneven starts all night.IMO.just my opinion though obviously the Team Managers were OK with it.

Despite the commentary team I found myself preferring the Weej. Unbelievable. How many times have they mentioned beating Edinburgh? Obviously in their heads.

He also penalised himself and with change of gates gave Poole the advantage. Shocking decision

Haven't heard from the brave voyagers from Poole for a while, the Glasgow pubs or the cold hitting you harder?

Not thinking of myself there are a lot glasgow supporters who would like to see it as well

Ideally Poole need to keep it within 10. But definitely no more than 14.

Mon the pirates get this lot sorted out.

Thanks for that Wasn't sure which division he was racing in poland next year

Averages are now pointless in a shrinking sport where allocation of riders to teams is more important not a restrictive outdated practise.

The Wolverhampton fans coined the phrase after the Heathens collected the wooden spoon by finishing bottom of the league table in 1966 and 1973. The Heathens also finished bottom in 1993. Sports journalist Tom Johnson, who I knew, spent many years covering speedway at Cradley Heath and Wolverhampton for the Express & Star newspaper and in October 1999 Wolverhampton met riders representing the defunct Cradley Heath team in the Tom Johnson Memorial meeting at Monmore Green. As Wolves had just secured bottom place in the league table, Colin Pratt took great pleasure in presenting each of their riders with a wooden spoon.

Excellent, I'll be following speedway updates, appreciate the service

Would say it's a formality but I have been wrong the last 3 seasons so it will be interesting to see who gets the award. Should possibly be closer for the Bullets rider of the year. Shame I will miss the event as I am visiting family next weekend.

Not the full package? Only Jack Holder, Dan Bewley and Sam Masters managed the higher average last season. 50% of all his rides for Sheffield were either winning races or paid wins. He is British and qualifies for a reduction on his average. He is on record as wanting to comeback to the club next season He will do for me.